Impact of Elaeidobius kamerunicus population in F1 hybrid-single generation families of oil palm on Malaysia profound peat-soil

Abstract

Elaedobius kamerunicus (EK) is the most effective oil palm pollinator, and has positively improved the rate of pollination and oil yield. However, the decline in the oil palm fruit set and oil yield is alarming in oil palm industries. Therefore, this study investigated the EK population abundance and its impact on the oil palm fruit set. A significant variation in EK population was observed among the biparental families and a decline in its population abundance. The highest mean number of EK per palm was recorded on Day-three and family ECPHP500 recorded the highest (2367.94 ± 140.74). The total population means of EK was 36830.14 ± 851.68 per hectare and ECPHP550 recorded the highest at 52,189.64 weevils per hectare.A simple linear regression and correlation coefficient (r) analysis indicated declines in the efficiency of the weevil and it accounted for 31% of the variation in fruit to bunch, 25% in average bunch weight, 37% infertile fruit, and 33% of the total variation in oil palm fruit set ratio. The oil palm traits analysed, had a positive and highly significant moderate correlation with the weevil effectiveness. A strong perfect relationship was established between Day-three anthesis with EK population per inflorescence (r = 0.99, df = 3, 23, P˂0.0001). Moderate evaporation rate, rainfall, wind velocity, and sunshine duration with temperature (29oC) will increase the weevil population and efficiency. Future research and good management practices should be considered to improve the population and pollination effectiveness of EK, enhancing the livelihoods of farmers.